Letter: Controlled anger

I AM writing to support the staff in the ambulance service as I feel they are being treated so unfairly with snide comments from people who do not know the full story.

I have a family member who is an ambulance technician so I know just how hard they work and how upset most are at what is being said about them.

Perhaps the critics would like to join them for four 12-hour night shifts (preferably in Edinburgh at the weekend). They could then assist in picking up the drunk and drugged-out youth of the city when they should be helping the sick.

They could then help clean the ambulance of blood, vomit and worse before going on to the next call. If they are lucky they might get this break (not just a tea break), which is causing so much angst, where they could grab something to eat (not a proper meal usually).

It should also be noted that they do not refuse to go out as they are put on an official break by control and are not told there is a call to attend to - not the story that is being put about at present.

It is so easy to make nasty comments while sitting at home at the computer. Please remember that these are good people who want to help the public but who also need the same rest as everyone else. Who wants an exhausted, hungry person treating them?

Margaret Milne

Caiystane Terrace

Edinburgh